Distribution Strategies

Skyscanner has clarified that Ryanair's recent announcement related to cancelling of flight bookings made on so called "screen scraper" sites will not affect any Ryanair flight bookings that have been found through Skyscanner.

Published: 14 Aug 2008

Skyscanner has clarified that Ryanair's recent announcement related to cancelling of flight bookings made on so called "screen scraper" sites will not affect any Ryanair flight bookings that have been found through Skyscanner.

"The move by Ryanair targets booking sites where users are buying flights indirectly without going to the Ryanair site. Skyscanner users are linked directly to official airline websites to book their flights. Skyscanner does not sell air tickets or take any form of bookings. Therefore, any Ryanair flights which have been found via Skyscanner will not be affected by Ryanair's announcement – as all these flights have been booked directly with the airline," stated the company.

The company also shared that Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara has confirmed that Skyscanner is okay to use, and said Ryanair does not have a problem with the Skyscanner site.

Meanwhile, Steven Rice, marketing manager of ebookers.ie told siliconrepublic.com that Ryanair's decision to block all forms of 'screen scraping' by third parties is more about its desire to be a one-stop-shop than unlawful behaviour on the part of other websites.

"It is not untrue to say flights are usually more expensive from an online travel agent that has screen-scraped Ryanair fares, we have no issue with that. But let's say it how it is: Ryanair is forcing consumers to go to its website because it wants to sell a whole plethora of products from there – flights are the hook," Rice reportedly said. "We know from our own price comparative work that Ryanair is not always the cheapest for hotels, car hire and travel insurance products, so consumers should shop around for the best deal if buying such products online."

For entire article, click here: http://www.siliconrepublic.com/news/article/11195/new-media/is-ryanair-s...